Space Balls:
It sounds like something odd, but it really is as simple as can be!
Space Balls are balls that are made up of nothing but space!
Space Balls is a great game for team building, but also works on focus, concentration, and imagination! It works well in morning meeting, or any time of day they need a break.
To start, establish what a space ball actually is: a ball made of space! Since you can't see the ball, it's important to show the size, shape, and weight of the ball by the way you hold the ball.
Then, slowly pass the space ball around the circle.
Students should watch to see that the ball maintains its size and shape.
For many students, that's enough for the first time.
Later, or on another day, introduce a "new" space ball, and review the concept by passing the ball around the circle again. Make the new space ball somewhat different from the first one. (smaller, heavier, etc.)
When the ball completes the circle, it's a good time to break the group into groups of 2 or 3 to play catch with the space balls. (Have some fun passing out space balls to each small group! Encourage their creativity by asking what sort of ball they want, then slowly taking that ball out of your "box" for them to see!)
Another option is to toss the space ball to someone across the circle. (See photo at top.) In these cases, remind the children to show the size and shape of the ball, remembering to maintain the size and shape.
On another day, introduce the idea of changing the space ball. Model squishing the space into a very small ball, or stretching it into a very large ball. The space can also become quite heavy (grunting is encouraged) or it can become quite light like a balloon. The students' hands and body language should always show the size, shape, and weight of the space ball, so their partner can follow.
Now it's time to let the children be creative: pass a space ball around the circle, letting children change the space ball any way they want to. The students should be very clear in taking the space ball from the previous person, maintaining its shape, then showing the group how they are changing the space ball.
I'll bet you (or your students) can think of more variations of "Space Balls!"
Can you think of a way to include curriculum concepts?
Please share these variations in the comments!
You might even see them playing it at recess time!
Looking for some other team building games?
Looking for something that can be used for socially distant or remote learning?
Side note: the teacher in the photo above is my daughter playing space balls with her students at summer music camp! She has her own blog, Me vs Rent!
